In the teachings of many Siddhars, Samadhi is often considered the pinnacle of spiritual attainment—a state where the mind transcends the physical world, merging with the infinite. However, Vallalar, a revered spiritual teacher, offers a different perspective. He suggests that there are many states beyond Samadhi, and attaining it is just the beginning of a much deeper spiritual journey.
The Ease of Attaining Samadhi
According to Vallalar, reaching Samadhi is not as difficult as it is often portrayed. With consistent practice over six years, one can attain this state. However, the challenge arises when one reaches the threshold of Samadhi. As your breath turns inward, you may begin to feel an overwhelming desire to live, accompanied by a fear of death and the very state of Samadhi itself.
The Root of Desire and the Five Senses
The true challenge lies in our attachment to life, driven by the happiness we derive from our five senses. When we fail to regulate these desires, we become ensnared in a constant pursuit of sensory satisfaction. This cycle can divert us from our spiritual path, pulling us away from the state of detachment necessary for true enlightenment.
Chitrambalam to Arulambalam: Transforming the Mind
Vallalar teaches that the solution is not to avoid or suppress the desires and experiences of life but to transform them. This process involves converting Chitrambalam—the lower, ego-driven mind—into Arulambalam, the divine mind. When you achieve this transformation, every moment of your life becomes an opportunity to accumulate good deeds, not through avoidance but through divine engagement.
The True Meaning of Detachment
Detachment in this context does not mean withdrawing from life’s experiences. Instead, it means engaging with life without attachment to the outcomes. For example, helping someone without expecting anything in return is a form of detachment. But when you reach the state of Arulambalam, you go a step further. You begin to see every person and every experience as divine. Your interactions become infused with a deeper sense of purpose, seeing the divine in all things.
Living Life as a Divine Experience
The ultimate goal is to experience life as a divine journey. When you approach every sense, every interaction, and every experience as a manifestation of the divine, there is no need to restrict your senses. They naturally become aligned with divine purpose. Vallalar emphasizes that we are born into this world to learn about love and compassion. Without these qualities, divine grace cannot dwell within us.